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Complete 3-D reconstruction of dental cast shape using perceptual grouping.

To achieve the complete three-dimensional (3-D) data retrieval of the shape of dentition, dental casts were measured from four directions; occlusal, right, left, and labial sides using a line laser scanner. Reconstruction of the entire shape, including undercuts and tooth crowding area, was attempted by applying a perceptual grouping algorithm, which is one of pattern-recognition theories. In the data measured from occlusal, right and left sides, the rows of measurements were parallel to the frontal plane, and three-directionally combined data (3-DC data) was accomplished by affine transformation. While, in the labial side, transformation to the frontal plane was done since rows of the measured data were parallel to the sagittal plane. To combine the labial data with the 3-DC data and reconstruct the complete image, rearrangement of the order of the data in the file was attempted by applying the perceptual grouping. That is, the minimum total length of data combining was examined by considering the factor of proximity and continuity between the data. The most appropriate order of data combining and recognition of islands were accomplished. Using a computer graphic (CG) with a wire-frame model, complicated regions such as anterior segments showing tooth crowding and undercut area were found to be successfully reconstructed without any data defects. The accuracy of reconstruction was ascertained by comparing the characteristic distances between apexes of molars in the reconstructed model with the real cast. The difference was within 0.3 mm, and present method for dental cast reconstruction is considered to be satisfactory for the present purpose such as orthodontics.

Dental Casting Technique↗

Application of confocal laser microscopy and three-dimensional Voronoi diagrams for volume and surface estimates of interphase chromosomes.

This study demonstrates the use of Voronoi tessellation procedures to obtain quantitative morphological data for chromosome territories in the cell nucleus. As a model system, chromosomes 7 and X were visualized in human female amniotic fluid cell nuclei by chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization with chromosome-specific composite probes. Light optical serial sections of 18 nuclei were obtained with a confocal scanning laser fluorescence microscope. A three-dimensional (3-D) tessellation of the image volumes defined by the stack of serial sections was then performed. For this purpose a Voronoi diagram, which consists of convex polyhedra structured in a graph environment, was built for each nucleus. The chromosome territories were extracted by applying the Delaunay graph, the dual of the Voronoi diagram, which describes the neighbourhood in the Voronoi diagram. The chromosome territories were then described by three morphological parameters, i.e. volume, surface area and a roundness factor (shape factor). The complete evaluation of a nucleus, including the calculation of the Voronoi diagram, 3-D visualization of extracted territories using computer graphic methods and parameterization was carried out on a Silicon Graphics workstation and was generally completed within 5 min. The geometric information obtained by this procedure revealed that both X- and 7-chromosome territories were similar in volume. Roundness factors indicated a pronounced variability in interphase shape for both pairs of chromosomes. Surface estimates showed a significant difference between the two X-territories but not between chromosome 7-territories.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Implications of new technology for pharmacy education and practice.

Specific knowledge and skills needed by pharmacists in an era of advancing health-care technology are presented, and the most important modern technologic developments in health care are described briefly. Implementation of new technology in health care will be affected by cost considerations and by social trends such as shifting population demographics, an increase in diseases of lifestyle, consumerism, and self-care. Technologic advances in the following areas are described: computerized information networks, bioelectronics, biotechnology, computer graphics, diagnostic imaging, and drug development in space and in the oceans. Diseases are noted for which diagnosis and treatment using new technology is promising. The roles of interferon and monoclonal antibodies are described, and trends in development of new drugs and drug delivery systems are traced. A new philosophical basis for pharmacy education that is consistent with the needs of a technologically oriented society is needed. Practitioners will look to their professional societies for assistance in identifying and implementing the new technology.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

[The scientific bases of virtual endoscopy].

The recent advances in medical imaging, the avaibility of methods for image analysis and computer graphics, the technological resources provided by microdevices and the design of minimal access surgical procedures have open the road to new concepts. Virtual endoscopy represents one of these emerging areas and points out the applicative potential of three dimensional (3D) imaging. It leads to less invasive diagnosis and therapeutic achievements and provides important cues for education and interventional planning. Image segmentation, visualization, tissue modeling and interactions with surgical instruments are the fundamental components to build clinical applications. They are examined in this paper through 3D navigation systems, surgical simulations and image guided interventions.

Computer Simulation↗

Structure of Met30 variant of transthyretin and its amyloidogenic implications.

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is an autosomal dominant hereditary type of lethal amyloidosis involving single (or double) amino acid substitutions in the amyloidogenic protein transthyretin (TTR). The most common type of FAP (Type I, or Portuguese) is characterized by a Val-->Met substitution at position 30. The Met30 variant of TTR has been produced by recombinant methods, crystallized in a form isomorphous with native TTR, subjected to X-ray analysis and compared structurally with the wild-type protein. The comparison shows that the effect of the substitution at position 30 is transmitted through the protein core to Cys10, the only thiol group in the TTR subunit, which becomes slightly more exposed. The variant TTR molecule is otherwise in a near-native state. Use of computer graphics has shown that it is possible to model a linear aggregate of TTR molecules, each linked to the next by a pair of disulphide bonds involving Cys10 residues. Formation of these disulphide bonds involves a small number of slightly short molecular contacts with native TTR molecules, most of which are relieved in the Met30 variant. We propose this model as a possible basis for a molecular description of the FAP amyloid fibrils.

Amino Acids↗

Three-dimensional volume visualization of the in vivo human ocular lens showing localization of the cataract.

An in vivo human lens containing a cataract has been visualized by volume rendering a transformed series of 60 rotated Scheimpflug digital images. The data set was obtained by rotating the Scheimpflug camera about the optic axis of the lens in 3-degree increments. The set of 60 Scheimpflug digital images were mathematically transformed into a new data set in which the images are oriented perpendicular to the optic axis of the eye. The transformed set of optical sections were first aligned to correct for eye movements during the data collection process, then rendered into a three-dimensional volume reconstruction with volume-rendering computer graphics techniques. The viewpoint and the transparency of the volume rendered in vivo human lens were varied in order to observe volume opacities in various regions of the lens. To help visualize lens opacities, the intensity of light scattering was pseudocolor-coded as an integral part of the three-dimensional volume rendering. Three-dimensional, pseudocolored volume rendering of the in vivo human ocular lens represents a new technique to visualize in vivo human cataracts.

Aged↗

Molecular dynamics simulation of a phospholipase A2-substrate complex.

We have used knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of phospholipids and phospholipases A2 together with biochemical data, computer graphics modelling and a 48 ps molecular dynamics simulation to predict the structure of a phospholipase A2-substrate complex. There is remarkable similarity between this predicted structure of enzyme-substrate complex and the structure that can be deduced from the observed enzyme-inhibitor complex. Molecular dynamics simulation highlights the importance of the calcium-ion in substrate binding and the persistence of the His-48 to water-hydrogen bond is compatible with the proposed role of this water molecule as the nucleophile in catalysis.

Animals↗

Interactions of Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor with Streptomyces griseus proteases A and B. Enzyme kinetic and computer simulation studies.

Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor (SSI), a dimeric protein that strongly inhibits subtilisins, was shown to form tight inhibitory complexes with Streptomyces griseus proteases A and B (SGPA and SGPB). The apparent dissociation constants of the SGPA-SSI and SGPB-SSI complexes were found to be orders of magnitude less than those of subtilisin-SSI complexes. Using the known atomic coordinates for SGPA and SSI, the highly complementary nature of the surface geometries of the two proteins was confirmed by a computer graphics study, which led to a proposed structure for the SGPA-SSI complex. Kinetic studies further suggested that the SSI dimer can bind two molecules of either SGPA or SGPB, and the 2:1-complexes (consisting of one inhibitor dimer and one enzyme molecule) apparently possess lower intrinsic dissociation constants than the 2:2-complexes. It was also shown that both of SGPA and SGPB are inhibited by both soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) and bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz), but far less strongly than by SSI.

Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases↗

Computer-aided prototype system for nose surgery.

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic-surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can enhance a patient's appearance and self-confidence, may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problem. In this paper, we present a three-dimensional (3-D) surgical simulation system, which can assist surgeons in planning rhinoplasty procedures. This system employs computer graphics and image-processing techniques for the simulation of a rhinoplasty. Although the presented algorithms themselves are not new, the proposed system exploits the new idea to apply 3-D morphing for rhinoplasty, and simulation results are useful for the physicians. According to patients' expectation of what they would like their noses to look like, our system simulates expected results. Our tools provide quantitative measurements of a nose structure. Using these quantitative results, surgeons can arrange appropriate preoperative plans for patients. Finally, experimental results and experiences are reported to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed system.

Computer Simulation↗

Age-related morphologic differences in the components of the eustachian tube/middle ear system.

The current study utilized a three-dimensional computer graphics technique to analyze the size, shape, and positional associations of the eustachian tube (ET) cartilage and lumen, the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle, and the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle. Older specimens 7 years and above (n = 13) were compared to young specimens less than 7 years (n = 4). Our results suggest that changes in ET function associated with age could result from size and shape differences in the ET cartilage and changes in the position of the LVP and TVP muscles.

Aging↗

Three dimensional imaging of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction using magnetic resonance.

The combination of 3D magnetic resonance imaging data with polygon based computer graphic display software is ideally suited to the study of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction in extended volumes. In this paper we present the first true three dimensional visualization of experimental data from the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. The time evolution of a twisted scroll wave like isoconcentration surface and its organizing filament are demonstrated for the manganese-catalyzed B-Z mixture. These techniques extend the experimental study of the B-Z reaction as a class of pattern-forming systems to the third dimension. The limitations of the technique are discussed.

Computer Simulation↗

Applicability of 3D-CT facial reconstruction for forensic individual identification.

Computed tomography (CT) is used in several clinical dentistry applications even by axial slices and two and three-dimensional reconstructed images (2D-CT and 3D-CT). The purpose of the current study is to assess the precision of linear measurements made in 3D-CT using craniometric patterns for individual identification in Forensic Dentistry. Five cadaver heads were submitted to a spiral computed tomography using axial slices, and 3D-CT reconstructions were obtained by volume rendering technique with computer graphics tools. Ten (10) craniometric measurements were determined in 3D-CT images by two examiners independently, twice each, and the standard error of intra- and inter-examiner measurements was assessed. The results demonstrated a low standard error of those measurements, from 0.85% to 3.09%. In conclusion, the linear measurements obtained in osseous and soft tissue structures were considered to be precise in 3D-CT with high imaging quality and resolution.

Cadaver↗

Modeling and analysis of the structure of the thermostable catechol 2,3-dioxygenase from Bacillus Stearothermophilus.

The three-dimensional structure of thermostable catechol 2,3-dioxygenase(TC230) from Bacillus Stearothermophilus has been modeled basing on the known x-ray structure of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase(metapyrocatechase) from Pseudomonas putida mt-2, using computer graphics energy minimization techniques. The rationality of the resulting model was validated by Ramachandran plot and Profile-3D. The structure-functionally important residues, such as M++ binding residues and the substrate binding residues, were identified from the model. These residues are candidates for further site-directed mutagenesis experiments. The reason that the thermostability of TC230 is greater than metapyrocatechase(MPC) has been found, which may be due to the specific structure of the TC230 in the C-end mainly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Motor end-plate distribution in the human lateral cricoarytenoid muscle.

Knowledge of the neuromuscular junction distribution in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles has potential clinical application in directing procedures that affect the function of these muscles through their neuromuscular junctions. We used histochemical techniques and computer graphics to determine the three-dimensional distribution of the motor end-plates in the human lateral cricoarytenoid muscle. In contrast to the results that have been reported for the human thyroarytenoid, cricothyroid, and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, where end-plates are more diffusely distributed, the results of our study indicate that in the human lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, the neuromuscular junctions are generally found within a broad band at the midlength of the muscle. This more focused distribution should be advantageous clinically in facilitating the manipulation of the motor end-plates in this muscle.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Planar differences in nuclear area and orientation in the subventricular and intermediate zones of the rat embryonic neocortex.

Nuclear area and orientation in the subventricular and intermediate zones was studied quantitatively in coronal vs. sagittal sections of the dorsomedial neocortex. Nissl-stained methacrylate-embedded normal rat embryos were studied between embryonic days (E) 13 and E22. The area of nuclear profiles and the degrees their long axes (defined as a straight line through the two most distant points in the nuclear profile) deviated from the horizontal (defined as parallel to the pial membrane) were determined with a computer-graphics program. Because the nucleus is the most clearly outlined structure in embryonic cells, the area and orientation of the nucleus was taken to reflect the overall size and orientation of the cell body. Nuclear area is larger in the coronal plane than it is in the sagittal plane, especially between E17 and E20. Cell body orientation in the subventricular and lower intermediate zones is predominantly horizontal in the coronal plane and predominantly vertical in the sagittal plane. In the upper intermediate zone, cell body orientation is predominantly vertical in both planes, but more so in the sagittal plane. These data indicate that the majority of cell bodies in the subventricular and lower intermediate zones have a horizontally oriented, flattened elliptical shape with their larger diameters lying within the coronal plane and their smaller diameters in the sagittal plane. Because of the flattening, the cell bodies falsely appear to be vertically oriented in the sagittal plane. Qualitative observations in horizontal sections confirmed the quantitative computer analysis. These results are related to other findings with [3H]thymidine autoradiography concerning cell migration and the sojourn of cells in the subventricular and intermediate zones.

Animals↗

Protein normal-mode dynamics: trypsin inhibitor, crambin, ribonuclease and lysozyme.

We have developed a new method for modelling protein dynamics using normal-mode analysis in internal co-ordinates. This method, normal-mode dynamics, is particularly well suited for modelling collective motion, makes possible direct visualization of biologically interesting modes, and is complementary to the more time-consuming simulation of molecular dynamics trajectories. The essential assumption and limitation of normal-mode analysis is that the molecular potential energy varies quadratically. Our study starts with energy minimization of the X-ray co-ordinates with respect to the single-bond torsion angles. The main technical task is the calculation of second derivative matrices of kinetic and potential energy with respect to the torsion angle co-ordinates. These enter into a generalized eigenvalue problem, and the final eigenvalues and eigenvectors provide a complete description of the motion in the basic 0.1 to 10 picosecond range. Thermodynamic averages of amplitudes, fluctuations and correlations can be calculated efficiently using analytical formulae. The general method presented here is applied to four proteins, trypsin inhibitor, crambin, ribonuclease and lysozyme. When the resulting atomic motion is visualized by computer graphics, it is clear that the motion of each protein is collective with all atoms participating in each mode. The slow modes, with frequencies of below 10 cm-1 (a period of 3 ps), are the most interesting in that the motion in these modes is segmental. The root-mean-square atomic fluctuations, which are dominated by a few slow modes, agree well with experimental temperature factors (B values). The normal-mode dynamics of these four proteins have many features in common, although in the larger molecules, lysozyme and ribonuclease, there is low frequency domain motion about the active site.

Aprotinin↗

Detection of myocardial infarction in dogs by contrast enhanced sequential CT scans.

Surgically induced myocardial infarcts were studied in ten dogs by contrast enhanced computer transmission tomography at several stages of the infarct evolution. The hearts were scanned sequentially at 3.4 second intervals during intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium and every five minutes following the completion of a ten minute contrast medium infusion. Cardiac borders including those of the infarctions were defined by computer graphic techniques. Data from several consecutive scans were combined into one image; the ventricular chamber boundaries and those of the epicardium were reconstructed from images taken during the bolus injection. Images taken during the contrast medium washout phase were used for infarct area determination. A statistical definition of the boundary between normal tissue and infarcted myocardium was obtained which correlated well with autopsy measurements. Image analysis as described here may serve as a basis for infarct volume estimates as well as differentiation between acute and chronic infarctions.

Animals↗

Computer reconstruction of serial sections.

A computer graphics system is described which reconstructs three-dimensional images from serial sectional data. Microscopic sectional tracings are first digitized and coded with a microcomputer (APPLE II-Plus). The data are transferred to a main frame facility for reconstruction and the final result is displayed on a high-resolution color monitor (Hewlett-Packard 9845C). Depth cueing of the image is enhanced by edge ribboning and area filling. The system is very simple to operate and yet flexible enough to allow selective portions of the tissue sample to be reconstructed and displayed in various orientations.

Animals↗